Redneck Friend
Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon Lyrics
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How has it all begun
They're teaching you how to walk
But you're already on the run
Little one, what you gonna do
Little one, honey, it's all up to you
Now your daddy's in the den
Mama's with a friend
Lately she's been so confused
Little one, come on and take my hand
Well, I may not have the answer
But I believe I got a plan
Honey, you shake, I'll rattle
We'll roll on down the line
See if we can't get in touch
With a very close friend of mine
But let me clue you in
It ain't like him to argue or pretend
Honey let me introduce you
To my redneck friend
Well, they've got a little list
Of all those things of which they don't approve
Well, they've got to keep their eyes on you
Or you might make your move
Little one, I really wish you would
Little one, I think the damage would do you good
Honey, you shake, I'll rattle
We'll roll on down the line
We're going to forget all about the battle
It's gonna feel so fine
'Cause he's the missing link
The kitchen sink, eleven on a scale of ten
Honey, let me introduce you to my redneck friend
Honey, you shake, I'll rattle
We'll roll on down the line
I'm going to try to swing you up into my saddle
And then we'll run but you'll think we're flyin'
Honey, don't just stand there lookin'
Like this dream will never end
Honey, let me introduce you to my redneck friend
I said, honey, let me introduce you to my redneck friend
"Redneck Friend" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The lyrics speak to a young woman, referred to as “little one”, whose parents are struggling with addiction and confusion. The singer is offering to help guide her through tough times with a plan that involves turning to a “redneck friend.” The song highlights the complexity of relationships and how sometimes people from different backgrounds can have the best friendship.
The lyrics begin by describing the young woman as already “on the run” before life has really even begun. Her father is in the den shooting up the news, and her mother is with a friend and seems to be struggling with her own issues. The singer, who seems to be a caring and empathetic figure, encourages the young woman to take his hand and trust him, even if he doesn't have all the answers.
As the song progresses, the singer explains that the “redneck friend” he wants to introduce her to is someone who is often misunderstood but has a big heart. The singer suggests that by letting go and embracing the friendship, the young woman can escape the “battle” of her upbringing and find a sense of peace.
Overall, Redneck Friend is a song about friendship and the power of people who come from different walks of life coming together to support one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Pretty little one
The subject of address is a young and attractive person
How has it all begun
Asking about how their life journey started
They're teaching you how to walk
The people around them are trying to mentor them on how to navigate the world
But you're already on the run
The subject is a free spirit not content with the path they are being lined up for
Little one, what you gonna do
A call to action to the person to direct their own life
Little one, honey, it's all up to you
Encouragement to the subject that their future is in their hands
Now your daddy's in the den
Reference to the subject's father hiding in his private space
Shootin' up the evening news
The father is likely using drugs or engaging in other harmful behavior
Mama's with a friend
The subject's mother is with someone who is not their father
Lately she's been so confused
The mother is struggling with various things in her life
Little one, come on and take my hand
Offering support to the young person, a sense of security in the feelings of the song's protagonist
Well, I may not have the answer
Desire of the artist to help even though they may not have specific, immediate solutions to problems
But I believe I got a plan
The singer has some ideas about how to help the young person
Honey, you shake, I'll rattle
We can move forward together to make changes
We'll roll on down the line
The plan is to move forward
See if we can't get in touch
Efforts to make contact with someone who might be helpful
With a very close friend of mine
The person the artist wants to connect with is someone they have a strong relationship with
But let me clue you in
The singer wants to share important information with the young person
It ain't like him to argue or pretend
The friend they are connecting with is dependable and honest
Honey let me introduce you
Introducing the young person to someone who can offer help
To my redneck friend
The friend being introduced is likely a stereotype in terms of behavior and background
Well, they've got a little list
Referring to the expectations and judgments of the people around the young person
Of all those things of which they don't approve
Expectations that the young person is expected to meet that may not necessarily align with their own goals, aspirations and interests
Well, they've got to keep their eyes on you
Feeling trapped, being watched and not having freedom to live in the manner they choose
Or you might make your move
The determination of the young person to break free and live their own life
Little one, I really wish you would
The singer is encouraging the young person to take the necessary steps to improve their situation
Little one, I think the damage would do you good
In the long run, it will be beneficial for the young person to take the chance and make decisions of their own
We're going to forget all about the battle
The difficult times in the past should be left behind to pave way for hope and a more promising future
It's gonna feel so fine
Anticipating that the outcome will be positive
'Cause he's the missing link
The singer believes his redneck friend is the missing piece to help the young person's situation
The kitchen sink, eleven on a scale of ten
The friend is extremely innovative and has the capability to offer creative solutions
Honey, let me introduce you to my redneck friend
The friend being introduced to the young person is capable and trustworthy
I'm going to try to swing you up into my saddle
Symbolizes ushering the young person into a new phase of life
And then we'll run but you'll think we're flyin'
Feels like they will be flying due to a sense of freedom the young person will feel after taking the leap
Honey, don't just stand there lookin'
Reinforcing the need for the young person to take action
Like this dream will never end
The potential of the future seems like a dream, but it is a realistic possibility
Honey, let me introduce you to my redneck friend
Reiterated introduction to the friend who will be instrumental in helping the young person
Lyrics © Jackson Browne/Swallow Turn Music/Night Kitchen Music/Open Window Music
Written by: JACKSON BROWNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind